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Puzzled 4 Murder
Soaring temperatures and a giant jigsaw puzzle combine to form a picture of murder . . .
It’s a blistering hot summer in Sun City West, and members of the retirement community are happy to escape into the air-conditioned bliss of the library to work on a mammoth forty-thousand-piece jigsaw puzzle. But things begin heating up inside, too, when members clash with the domineering head of the puzzle committee over which puzzle to solve—until someone settles the matter by killing her. Now it’s up to Sophie “Phee” Kimball to put all the pieces of the murder plot together and catch the culprit responsible.
Any number of the jigsaw aficionados could have wanted the victim out of the picture for her personality alone, but Phee suspects there was a more sinister motive behind the murder. Then the chosen puzzle and the library itself are struck by one instance of sabotage after another, and Phee’s convinced that someone is sending a menacing message. But just as she unearths a telling clue and slots it into place, she finds herself in a race against time to finish the puzzle and solve the case—before the killer goes to pieces and finishes her off too . . .
Praise for the Books of J. C.
“Fun characters, a touch of humor, and a great mystery, the perfect combination for a cozy.” —Lena Gregory, author of the Bay Island Psychic Mysteries on Ditched 4 Murder
“So cleverly written, you won’t guess the perpetrators until the very end.” —Mary Marks, award-winning author of the Quilting Mystery Series on Booked 4 Murder
“A thoroughly entertaining series debut, with enjoyable yet realistic characters and enough plot twists—and dead ends—to appeal from beginning to end.” —Booklist, starred review, on Booked 4 Murder
“Enjoy this laugh-out-loud funny mystery that will make you scream for the authors to get busy on the next one.” —Suspense Magazine on Molded 4 Murder
About the
J. C. Eaton is the pen name of husband-and-wife writing team Ann I. Goldfarb and James E. Clapp. They are the authors of the Wine Trail Mysteries, the Sophie Kimball Mysteries, the Marcie Rayner Mysteries, and the Charcuterie Shop Mysteries. In addition, Ann has published nine YA time travel mysteries under her own name. You can learn more about Ann and Jim at jceatonmysteries.com, jceatonauthor.com, facebook.com/JCEatonauthor, and timetravelmysteries.com.
It’s a blistering hot summer in Sun City West, and members of the retirement community are happy to escape into the air-conditioned bliss of the library to work on a mammoth forty-thousand-piece jigsaw puzzle. But things begin heating up inside, too, when members clash with the domineering head of the puzzle committee over which puzzle to solve—until someone settles the matter by killing her. Now it’s up to Sophie “Phee” Kimball to put all the pieces of the murder plot together and catch the culprit responsible.
Any number of the jigsaw aficionados could have wanted the victim out of the picture for her personality alone, but Phee suspects there was a more sinister motive behind the murder. Then the chosen puzzle and the library itself are struck by one instance of sabotage after another, and Phee’s convinced that someone is sending a menacing message. But just as she unearths a telling clue and slots it into place, she finds herself in a race against time to finish the puzzle and solve the case—before the killer goes to pieces and finishes her off too . . .
Praise for the Books of J. C.
“Fun characters, a touch of humor, and a great mystery, the perfect combination for a cozy.” —Lena Gregory, author of the Bay Island Psychic Mysteries on Ditched 4 Murder
“So cleverly written, you won’t guess the perpetrators until the very end.” —Mary Marks, award-winning author of the Quilting Mystery Series on Booked 4 Murder
“A thoroughly entertaining series debut, with enjoyable yet realistic characters and enough plot twists—and dead ends—to appeal from beginning to end.” —Booklist, starred review, on Booked 4 Murder
“Enjoy this laugh-out-loud funny mystery that will make you scream for the authors to get busy on the next one.” —Suspense Magazine on Molded 4 Murder
About the
J. C. Eaton is the pen name of husband-and-wife writing team Ann I. Goldfarb and James E. Clapp. They are the authors of the Wine Trail Mysteries, the Sophie Kimball Mysteries, the Marcie Rayner Mysteries, and the Charcuterie Shop Mysteries. In addition, Ann has published nine YA time travel mysteries under her own name. You can learn more about Ann and Jim at jceatonmysteries.com, jceatonauthor.com, facebook.com/JCEatonauthor, and timetravelmysteries.com.
- GenresMysteryCozy MysteryCozy
216 pages, Paperback
Published February 12, 2025
18 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
J.C. Eaton
31 books344 followersAnn I. Goldfarb
New York native Ann I. Goldfarb spent most of her life in education, first as a classroom teacher and later as a middle school principal and professional staff developer. Writing as J. C. Eaton, along with her husband, James Clapp, they have authored the Sophie Kimball Mysteries (Kensington), The Wine Trail Mysteries (Kensington Lyrical Underground), and coming in August 2018, The Marcie Rayner Mysteries (Camel). In addition, Ann has nine published YA time travel mysteries under her own name. Visit the websites at:
www.jceatonmysteries.com
www.facebook.com/JCEatonauthor/
www.timetravelmysteries.com
James E. Clapp
When James E. Clapp retired as the tasting room manager for a large upstate New York winery, he never imagined he’d be co-authoring cozy mysteries with his wife, Ann I. Goldfarb. Non-fiction in the form of informational brochures and workshop materials treating the winery industry were his forte along with an extensive background and experience in construction that started with his service in the U.S. Navy and included vocational school classroom teaching. Visit the website at www.jceatonauthor.com
New York native Ann I. Goldfarb spent most of her life in education, first as a classroom teacher and later as a middle school principal and professional staff developer. Writing as J. C. Eaton, along with her husband, James Clapp, they have authored the Sophie Kimball Mysteries (Kensington), The Wine Trail Mysteries (Kensington Lyrical Underground), and coming in August 2018, The Marcie Rayner Mysteries (Camel). In addition, Ann has nine published YA time travel mysteries under her own name. Visit the websites at:
www.jceatonmysteries.com
www.facebook.com/JCEatonauthor/
www.timetravelmysteries.com
James E. Clapp
When James E. Clapp retired as the tasting room manager for a large upstate New York winery, he never imagined he’d be co-authoring cozy mysteries with his wife, Ann I. Goldfarb. Non-fiction in the form of informational brochures and workshop materials treating the winery industry were his forte along with an extensive background and experience in construction that started with his service in the U.S. Navy and included vocational school classroom teaching. Visit the website at www.jceatonauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
April 5, 2025
Ohhh, the antics of Streetman! Love that little pooch! And this mystery was very clever! This is one of my favorite cozy series. Love Phee's wit and humor and her relationship with her mom and her mom's friends. So fun!
February 19, 2025
Puzzled 4 Murder the 14th instalment in the Sophie Kimball Mystery series by J.C. Eaton. I love this series, it always has me laughing at Streetman’s and Phee’s mums antics. Soaring temperatures and a giant jigsaw puzzle combine to form a picture of murder . .
I found myself engrossed in the story and reading it in almost one day. I love the characters which are well developed. There is plenty of humour and we can’t forget Streetman the chiweenie in the library causing havoc with the puzzle pieces. I laughed at the chaos he caused.
The mystery is interesting, well plotted as well as full of twists and turns. Always an entertaining, fun read. This is one of my favourite series and I always buy in Paperback as I know I will read again.
I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Kensington Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I found myself engrossed in the story and reading it in almost one day. I love the characters which are well developed. There is plenty of humour and we can’t forget Streetman the chiweenie in the library causing havoc with the puzzle pieces. I laughed at the chaos he caused.
The mystery is interesting, well plotted as well as full of twists and turns. Always an entertaining, fun read. This is one of my favourite series and I always buy in Paperback as I know I will read again.
I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Kensington Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 8, 2025
This would have benefitted by more Streetman but the ending was good. Marshall remains as boring as ever.
February 18, 2025
Sophie "Phee" Kimball-Gregory is married to Marshall Gregory, who works for Nate's private investigator agency as one of the investigators. Phee is their accountant, and unfortunately, her mother Harriet thinks that there are always murderers around the corner. Also unfortunately, she's usually right, which puts Phee in the position of having to give her 'tasks' to do to keep her out of the murder investigation.
This time out, the Sun City West retirees are taking part in constructing a giant forty-thousand-piece puzzle, and the finished product is going to be in the Senior Living magazine. But not everyone is happy about this: the puzzle that they're constructing is a last-minute replacement, since the three original choices no one wanted to do (seriously? A snowstorm?) This is an innocuous picture of an Arizona street...or is it?
It doesn't help that the body of one of the committee members is discovered in the library and Nate's firm is called in by the police to help investigate. Or that Nate is contacted by a woman who claims another woman killed her husband twenty years ago and she knows who it is, but not where she is now. Phee's task is to keep her mother away from both investigations, if possible...and it isn't...
Then when 'accidents' keep occurring at the library around the puzzle, and threatening messages are left, even Phee knows that something is off. Someone does not want that puzzle completed, but why? Harriet is determined that she and her friends finish it, because she's not giving up the chance to be in Senior Living. At least she's not able to bring her Chiweenie Streetman to the library. That's the best news Phee's heard in a long time. The 'little prince' causes chaos, and Phee has enough of that right now.
But when a major clue is revealed on air, and something else is discovered, not only does it upend everything, it puts Phee right in the middle of it. And not only does she not want to be, she wants to be as far away as possible...which isn't going to happen...
This is the fourteenth book in the series, and I have read them all. I have also loved them all. The author(s) have done a wonderful job in the character department. Harriet and her friends are a riot, especially Herb and her loony Aunt Ina. Poor Phee is the voice of reason -- that none of them listen to anyway.
Things get going right from the beginning, and it seems there are two murders to solve, both of which get Phee drawn into. In this book, I figured out most of it before the middle, but I love reading about Harriet and her antics, and Phee's attempts to rein her in, which make the book the most fun ever.
Reading this series makes you want to sit back and watch the action, because you know you don't want to be anywhere near the scary seniors, who think they're actual sleuths (they're not). There's always something going on, and it is a great enjoyment to read. The ending comes and it's way too soon; when we find the murderer the motives are given, and as old as time (as they all are everywhere). It's a funny climax and I couldn't ask for more. I look forward to the next in the series. Recommended.
I was given an advance copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.
This time out, the Sun City West retirees are taking part in constructing a giant forty-thousand-piece puzzle, and the finished product is going to be in the Senior Living magazine. But not everyone is happy about this: the puzzle that they're constructing is a last-minute replacement, since the three original choices no one wanted to do (seriously? A snowstorm?) This is an innocuous picture of an Arizona street...or is it?
It doesn't help that the body of one of the committee members is discovered in the library and Nate's firm is called in by the police to help investigate. Or that Nate is contacted by a woman who claims another woman killed her husband twenty years ago and she knows who it is, but not where she is now. Phee's task is to keep her mother away from both investigations, if possible...and it isn't...
Then when 'accidents' keep occurring at the library around the puzzle, and threatening messages are left, even Phee knows that something is off. Someone does not want that puzzle completed, but why? Harriet is determined that she and her friends finish it, because she's not giving up the chance to be in Senior Living. At least she's not able to bring her Chiweenie Streetman to the library. That's the best news Phee's heard in a long time. The 'little prince' causes chaos, and Phee has enough of that right now.
But when a major clue is revealed on air, and something else is discovered, not only does it upend everything, it puts Phee right in the middle of it. And not only does she not want to be, she wants to be as far away as possible...which isn't going to happen...
This is the fourteenth book in the series, and I have read them all. I have also loved them all. The author(s) have done a wonderful job in the character department. Harriet and her friends are a riot, especially Herb and her loony Aunt Ina. Poor Phee is the voice of reason -- that none of them listen to anyway.
Things get going right from the beginning, and it seems there are two murders to solve, both of which get Phee drawn into. In this book, I figured out most of it before the middle, but I love reading about Harriet and her antics, and Phee's attempts to rein her in, which make the book the most fun ever.
Reading this series makes you want to sit back and watch the action, because you know you don't want to be anywhere near the scary seniors, who think they're actual sleuths (they're not). There's always something going on, and it is a great enjoyment to read. The ending comes and it's way too soon; when we find the murderer the motives are given, and as old as time (as they all are everywhere). It's a funny climax and I couldn't ask for more. I look forward to the next in the series. Recommended.
I was given an advance copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.
February 10, 2025
Laugh out loud antics and scenes. Who knew putting together a giant sized jig-saw puzzle could be both so challenging and hilarious, not to mention filled with obstacles like vandalism and break-ins. As an Alaskan fairly accustomed to the earth moving beneath my feet, I had to chuckle out loud when the excuse of an earthquake was used to hide one of the efforts to halt the puzzle's construction. Toss in a second, long-cold case investigation that Marshall and Nate are dealing with and Sophie/Phee's mind is whirling. There's rarely a dull moment here in this largely dialogue driven plot and, if there is, it's a set up to an even more hilarious scheme or moment. Long time readers, never fear. Streetman gets lots of space.
I adore this series. While the characters are quirky and, oh, so opinionated, they somehow always come across as individuals that we'd like, albeit probably in small doses for many. Life in the retirement village of Sun City West in Arizona is certainly never dull. True, perhaps not good for ones blood pressure but never dull, especially if Phee's mother is around. Poor Phee. She seems to always be on the alert for the next phone call from her mother and whatever it may bring, which often involves not just her but Marshall and Nate's investigative company. Marshall, Phee's husband, seems to be a bit of a calm, amused voice of calm in the middle of what can often be described as chaos, the perfect balance for Phee's often fretful reactions. I mean, she's a woman who finds calm in the ordered realm of numbers, ie doing the firm's billing and accounting. Friend and office assistant Augusta seems to be fairly well grounded, too, but she has her moments, not to mention goofy theories. I guess when you word for a detective agency that this goes with the territory. Computer guru Rolo, a master hacker, er, computer investigator, always adds a bit of humor along with info that moves things along or throws up stop signs on some of the more outlandish theories. There are many, many other characters who pop in regularly so let's just say, while there are times they may tend to blend together during the fast paced scenes, they always bring something to the story, even Paul the fishing fanatic. As a group , they might make your head spin but, somehow, you'll enjoy every moment of time you spend with them.
So, who killed Samantha? Why is someone trying to make sure that the jig-saw puzzle is never completed? Who'd care? Well, aside from the attention loving group involved from Sun City West? Who broke into the library in an effort to wreck what progress had been made on the over 4000 piece puzzle? Does Phee's mother have a plan to find out? Of course she does. Many, one of which involves, no lie, ghosts. Don't ask. Read. Can't forget Streetman, of course. That dog can get in more fixes than you can count, so will he be helpful or just a distraction? Or, knowing Streetman, downright destructive? And, oh, more than enough teasers. Trust me. I've only hit some high points. Lots more to keep you laughing and turning pages. Thanks #BeyondThePagePublishing for allowing me this early peek into the chaos surrounding Phee at pretty much any given time. Good thing she has that nice, cool pool to relax in.
I adore this series. While the characters are quirky and, oh, so opinionated, they somehow always come across as individuals that we'd like, albeit probably in small doses for many. Life in the retirement village of Sun City West in Arizona is certainly never dull. True, perhaps not good for ones blood pressure but never dull, especially if Phee's mother is around. Poor Phee. She seems to always be on the alert for the next phone call from her mother and whatever it may bring, which often involves not just her but Marshall and Nate's investigative company. Marshall, Phee's husband, seems to be a bit of a calm, amused voice of calm in the middle of what can often be described as chaos, the perfect balance for Phee's often fretful reactions. I mean, she's a woman who finds calm in the ordered realm of numbers, ie doing the firm's billing and accounting. Friend and office assistant Augusta seems to be fairly well grounded, too, but she has her moments, not to mention goofy theories. I guess when you word for a detective agency that this goes with the territory. Computer guru Rolo, a master hacker, er, computer investigator, always adds a bit of humor along with info that moves things along or throws up stop signs on some of the more outlandish theories. There are many, many other characters who pop in regularly so let's just say, while there are times they may tend to blend together during the fast paced scenes, they always bring something to the story, even Paul the fishing fanatic. As a group , they might make your head spin but, somehow, you'll enjoy every moment of time you spend with them.
So, who killed Samantha? Why is someone trying to make sure that the jig-saw puzzle is never completed? Who'd care? Well, aside from the attention loving group involved from Sun City West? Who broke into the library in an effort to wreck what progress had been made on the over 4000 piece puzzle? Does Phee's mother have a plan to find out? Of course she does. Many, one of which involves, no lie, ghosts. Don't ask. Read. Can't forget Streetman, of course. That dog can get in more fixes than you can count, so will he be helpful or just a distraction? Or, knowing Streetman, downright destructive? And, oh, more than enough teasers. Trust me. I've only hit some high points. Lots more to keep you laughing and turning pages. Thanks #BeyondThePagePublishing for allowing me this early peek into the chaos surrounding Phee at pretty much any given time. Good thing she has that nice, cool pool to relax in.
May 11, 2025
https://openbooksociety.com/article/p...
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
Puzzled 4 Murder centres around a community of puzzlers putting together a forty-thousand-piece jigsaw puzzle so that they are recognized in Senior Living magazine. And let me tell you – these seniors are serious! Being an individual who likes to put together puzzles, this story intrigued me from the beginning.
Phee (aka Sophie Kimball) is the main sleuth of Puzzled 4 Murder. And whenever she has internal dialogue with her self, which is continually it seems, her inner thoughts are in italic font. Easy to spot and usually a bit sarcastic – love it! For example, when Phoenix was having a conversation with her aunt…
”…it will be as if our brunch conversation never stops.”
”No, it will never be as if the pounding in my head never stops.”
Lots of foreshadowing, or should I say outright reminding the reader of what was to come with comments such as:
“With a quick wave, I was out of there and made a mental note not to return any time soon. But how was I to know things would take a different turn?”
I did find the unraveling of the ‘whodunit’ interesting enough, if not a bit drawn out considering I did figure it out before the end of the book.
One major drawback with respect to this story is the number of characters. This reader realizes that there are a number of individuals relating to the puzzle crew, but it was VERY difficult to keep everyone straight. I found this cluttered the story for me and decreased my enjoyment substantially.
I may well have enjoyed the book even more if I had also begun the series at an earlier point in the thirteen book series. That would have given me greater context with respect to the main characters. I did like it well enough that when time permits, I will begin the series at book one – Booked 4 Murder.
I LOVED the cover art. I think that is what drew me in to read the book in the first place. And being a story involved a large puzzle 🙂
If you are a cozy mystery fan with a penchant for dogs, pull up a chair and a cup of tea (coffee or even a glass of wine) and settle into your favourite reading position and enjoy.
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
Puzzled 4 Murder centres around a community of puzzlers putting together a forty-thousand-piece jigsaw puzzle so that they are recognized in Senior Living magazine. And let me tell you – these seniors are serious! Being an individual who likes to put together puzzles, this story intrigued me from the beginning.
Phee (aka Sophie Kimball) is the main sleuth of Puzzled 4 Murder. And whenever she has internal dialogue with her self, which is continually it seems, her inner thoughts are in italic font. Easy to spot and usually a bit sarcastic – love it! For example, when Phoenix was having a conversation with her aunt…
”…it will be as if our brunch conversation never stops.”
”No, it will never be as if the pounding in my head never stops.”
Lots of foreshadowing, or should I say outright reminding the reader of what was to come with comments such as:
“With a quick wave, I was out of there and made a mental note not to return any time soon. But how was I to know things would take a different turn?”
I did find the unraveling of the ‘whodunit’ interesting enough, if not a bit drawn out considering I did figure it out before the end of the book.
One major drawback with respect to this story is the number of characters. This reader realizes that there are a number of individuals relating to the puzzle crew, but it was VERY difficult to keep everyone straight. I found this cluttered the story for me and decreased my enjoyment substantially.
I may well have enjoyed the book even more if I had also begun the series at an earlier point in the thirteen book series. That would have given me greater context with respect to the main characters. I did like it well enough that when time permits, I will begin the series at book one – Booked 4 Murder.
I LOVED the cover art. I think that is what drew me in to read the book in the first place. And being a story involved a large puzzle 🙂
If you are a cozy mystery fan with a penchant for dogs, pull up a chair and a cup of tea (coffee or even a glass of wine) and settle into your favourite reading position and enjoy.
June 26, 2025
The only thing that puzzled me about this recent Sophie Kimball Mystery, is how the dynamic duo that is J.C. Eaton can continue to bring us such fun cozies based on such everyday occurrences in a senior community. Before I go on, I need to take a moment and point out how absolutely adorable the cover art is on this latest book. Streetman the chiweenie has never looked sweeter, but if you are at all familiar with this series then you know that this "little man" is not a docile dachshund mix. In addition to the great book cover, I also want to say how cool it is for J.C. Eaton to do a call out for Libby Klein and her Poppy McAllister cozy mystery series.
This series will have you guffawing because of the sheer silliness of the book club ladies not to mention the group of seniors who are actually fussing with each other over a large sized puzzle. The characters have character on top of character and each one is incredibly different. Sophie "Phee" Kimball Gregory is in charge of accounts payable, and all things spreadsheet related for Williams Investigations. She would much rather be buried in numbers than hunting down clues or taking phone calls from her mom, Harriet Plunkett. Phee's mom usually calls when she has a crisis, that really isn't a crisis. Interestingly enough, Harriet's crisis is usually off the wall and tie into the murder mystery and another crime that the William's team is investigating. I really enjoy the way the different plot lines are intertwined, and all loose threads are tied off by the end of the book. Sometimes I am able to figure it out and other times, the red herrings get me. Each of the books in the series is a stand-alone but they do build on each other with all the coziness you could ever want. There is also a smattering of snark. Phee is used to dealing with her mom's zaniness as well as the book club ladies, but it never gets old reading her snarky thoughts, especially the ones that include eye rolls that are almost to the back of her head. This is a great series and a great addition that kept me attention and had me laughing out loud.
This series will have you guffawing because of the sheer silliness of the book club ladies not to mention the group of seniors who are actually fussing with each other over a large sized puzzle. The characters have character on top of character and each one is incredibly different. Sophie "Phee" Kimball Gregory is in charge of accounts payable, and all things spreadsheet related for Williams Investigations. She would much rather be buried in numbers than hunting down clues or taking phone calls from her mom, Harriet Plunkett. Phee's mom usually calls when she has a crisis, that really isn't a crisis. Interestingly enough, Harriet's crisis is usually off the wall and tie into the murder mystery and another crime that the William's team is investigating. I really enjoy the way the different plot lines are intertwined, and all loose threads are tied off by the end of the book. Sometimes I am able to figure it out and other times, the red herrings get me. Each of the books in the series is a stand-alone but they do build on each other with all the coziness you could ever want. There is also a smattering of snark. Phee is used to dealing with her mom's zaniness as well as the book club ladies, but it never gets old reading her snarky thoughts, especially the ones that include eye rolls that are almost to the back of her head. This is a great series and a great addition that kept me attention and had me laughing out loud.
March 16, 2025
Thoughts: Sophie (Phee) works as an accountant for a private investigator–whose team seems to do more investigating than the local cops do! This is the 14th book in this series, and it’s no less fun than the others. It takes place in Sun City West – a suburb of Phoenix, AZ. In this one, the committee of seniors are putting together a 40,000 piece mega-puzzle that will be featured in a magazine at the end of the summer. Unfortunately, things keep happening to prevent them from finishing the puzzle–an old picture of a street in Phoenix. The lead committee member is found dead, pieces of the puzzle go missing or are defaced, and members receive threatening letters.
It’s up to Phee, her husband (a P.I.) and the rest of the team to decipher exactly what is happening and why, but it takes Phee’s mother’s irritating dog to get to the final answer.
Recommended.
Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book from Netgalley and Beyond the Page Publishing with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
(Posted 3/6/2025)
It’s up to Phee, her husband (a P.I.) and the rest of the team to decipher exactly what is happening and why, but it takes Phee’s mother’s irritating dog to get to the final answer.
Recommended.
Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book from Netgalley and Beyond the Page Publishing with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
(Posted 3/6/2025)
March 24, 2025
This author is skillful at weaving two completely unrelated mysteries together and in the end reveals how they are linked. I figured out how the cases were related but the who was elusive. Another good job by the author.
This time the Sun City West retirees are planning to spend their summer inside the air conditioned library putting together a giant 40,000 piece jigsaw puzzle. It quickly appears one of the other social groups is not happy about them hogging the room and are resorting to acts of vandalism to interrupt their progress.
As with almost all cozies, this is just as much about the characters as the mystery. Catching up with Phee and the employees of Williams Investigations is always fun. They are written so well. Lyndy and her boyfriend are included. The retirees remain a blur with only the barest descriptions of differences provided for them. And that’s mostly who has what pet.
This series is very uneven with one book having madcap, absolutely unbelievable antics of retirement community residents and then toned down to reality in others. This is a believable one but yet still supplies humor. As a longtime reader, I’m beginning to think since these are written by husband and wife team, perhaps one of them enjoys writing an over-the-top romp. And since it’s obvious from reviews some readers enjoy it, this seems an excellent compromise.
This time the Sun City West retirees are planning to spend their summer inside the air conditioned library putting together a giant 40,000 piece jigsaw puzzle. It quickly appears one of the other social groups is not happy about them hogging the room and are resorting to acts of vandalism to interrupt their progress.
As with almost all cozies, this is just as much about the characters as the mystery. Catching up with Phee and the employees of Williams Investigations is always fun. They are written so well. Lyndy and her boyfriend are included. The retirees remain a blur with only the barest descriptions of differences provided for them. And that’s mostly who has what pet.
This series is very uneven with one book having madcap, absolutely unbelievable antics of retirement community residents and then toned down to reality in others. This is a believable one but yet still supplies humor. As a longtime reader, I’m beginning to think since these are written by husband and wife team, perhaps one of them enjoys writing an over-the-top romp. And since it’s obvious from reviews some readers enjoy it, this seems an excellent compromise.
March 22, 2025
While I was not enamoured with the seniors in this series initially as the stories have gone along the seniors are no less wild and wacky but I have begun to chuckle and roll my eyes more. They cannot resist “helping” the local law enforcement and Phee and her husband’s detective agency solve crimes. I use the word “helping” advisedly. While once in a while they do come up with something, more often than not they befuddle the professionals, no one more than Phee herself.
It is summertime and the seniors community hosts a humungous puzzle that they all help piece together as a community activity and to get out of the blazing hot. There has been considerable consternation over the choices of puzzle and the seniors are not above trying to turn things more their way. But murder is not one of their tactics. Especially when there is a magazine that wants to feature the puzzle and there are a series of dirty tricks to try and keep the puzzle from being completed. But what is so dangerous about a picture of one of the nearby streets about 20 years ago.
When something is discovered during an excavation, the plot thickens and the stakes grow.
It was an enjoyable read with just enough sane people to keep the story moving. Four purrs and two paws up.
It is summertime and the seniors community hosts a humungous puzzle that they all help piece together as a community activity and to get out of the blazing hot. There has been considerable consternation over the choices of puzzle and the seniors are not above trying to turn things more their way. But murder is not one of their tactics. Especially when there is a magazine that wants to feature the puzzle and there are a series of dirty tricks to try and keep the puzzle from being completed. But what is so dangerous about a picture of one of the nearby streets about 20 years ago.
When something is discovered during an excavation, the plot thickens and the stakes grow.
It was an enjoyable read with just enough sane people to keep the story moving. Four purrs and two paws up.
March 8, 2025
Well this was a cute little read.
If you've ever wondered what its like to be the more official side of an armature detective duo, this is the book to read. Our main character, Phee works with her husband and friends in a private detective agency. It is, however, her mother - a whirlwind of a character that knocks you over every time she calls - who is the Jessica Fletcher or Dr. Sloane of the piece. With her book club friends, she is determined to solve the murder of the puzzle club (there are a lot of clubs in this book) chair, who has been killed in the library. Not only that, but the giant puzzle they are working on is sabotaged time and time again.
I had to laugh at poor Phee's predicament, rushing after her mother as she came up with one hairbrained scheme after another to solve the various mysteries that were unfolding in the book. A very cool look at what its like to be the sensible one in these cosy mystery cases. Enjoyed it a lot.
But, with the amount of food that is described constantly, I'm now pretty hungry...
~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
If you've ever wondered what its like to be the more official side of an armature detective duo, this is the book to read. Our main character, Phee works with her husband and friends in a private detective agency. It is, however, her mother - a whirlwind of a character that knocks you over every time she calls - who is the Jessica Fletcher or Dr. Sloane of the piece. With her book club friends, she is determined to solve the murder of the puzzle club (there are a lot of clubs in this book) chair, who has been killed in the library. Not only that, but the giant puzzle they are working on is sabotaged time and time again.
I had to laugh at poor Phee's predicament, rushing after her mother as she came up with one hairbrained scheme after another to solve the various mysteries that were unfolding in the book. A very cool look at what its like to be the sensible one in these cosy mystery cases. Enjoyed it a lot.
But, with the amount of food that is described constantly, I'm now pretty hungry...
~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
March 30, 2025
The heat of the AZ summer has set in and everyone is looking forward to places and ways to stay cool. Harriet and her book club ladies are going to help with the huge puzzle at the air-conditioned library.
The Sophie Kimball Mystery series is hugely popular, and I was positive I was going to adore Puzzled for Murder. 1) I adore dogs. 2) I adore libraries. 3). I lived in Surprise for a short time. Speaking of surprise, imagine mine when I found I wasn't drawn to Puzzled for Murder. My first impression was that it felt like a book about bunch of cranky-pants senior citizens. I stopped reading at 19% and left it for a couple of weeks.
I then tried reading it again, but DNF at 40%. One of the things I dislike is when a book is half a novel and half a book about food and drink. It felt as though characters were constantly eating pretzels, eating Noosa yogurt, eating Entenmann's donuts, or the specialty churro bagels from Bagels 'n More. Then they were drinking bottled water, or a giant cup of Coke, or a Frappuccino, or a triple-shot-venti-vanilla latte from Starbucks, or grabbing Powerade drinks. I felt as though I were reading one product commercial after another. (And the dog was barely mentioned...)
I wasn't the target audience, but I'm happy to say that the series is very popular so it's not you. It's me.
Thank you, #BeyondThePagePublishing, for providing this book for review and consideration via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
The Sophie Kimball Mystery series is hugely popular, and I was positive I was going to adore Puzzled for Murder. 1) I adore dogs. 2) I adore libraries. 3). I lived in Surprise for a short time. Speaking of surprise, imagine mine when I found I wasn't drawn to Puzzled for Murder. My first impression was that it felt like a book about bunch of cranky-pants senior citizens. I stopped reading at 19% and left it for a couple of weeks.
I then tried reading it again, but DNF at 40%. One of the things I dislike is when a book is half a novel and half a book about food and drink. It felt as though characters were constantly eating pretzels, eating Noosa yogurt, eating Entenmann's donuts, or the specialty churro bagels from Bagels 'n More. Then they were drinking bottled water, or a giant cup of Coke, or a Frappuccino, or a triple-shot-venti-vanilla latte from Starbucks, or grabbing Powerade drinks. I felt as though I were reading one product commercial after another. (And the dog was barely mentioned...)
I wasn't the target audience, but I'm happy to say that the series is very popular so it's not you. It's me.
Thank you, #BeyondThePagePublishing, for providing this book for review and consideration via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
February 11, 2025
The story is every bit as much fun as the cover picture regardless of whether or not you've ever read any of the earlier books in the series! What could possibly go wrong when the retirement community
library hosts an event where participants work on a mammoth forty-thousand-piece jigsaw puzzle? Absolutely anything when the participants include (Sophie) Phee's mother and her ChiWeenie, Streetman, and the rest of the gaggle of friends. There is an abundance of plot twists and red herrings to sort through while laughing those sox off! Of course I loved it!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected digital eGalley from Beyond the Page Publishing via NetGalley. Avail Feb 25, 2025
#Puzzled4Murder by @j.c.eaton #SophieKimballMysteriesBk14 #BeyondThePagePublishing
#NetGalley @goodreads @bookbub @librarythingofficial @barnesandnoble ***** Review #booksamillion #bookshop_org #bookshop_org_uk #kobo #Waterstones #laughyoursoxoff #retirementcommunity #ChiWeenie #Jigsawpuzzles #cozymysteries #murder #teamwork
library hosts an event where participants work on a mammoth forty-thousand-piece jigsaw puzzle? Absolutely anything when the participants include (Sophie) Phee's mother and her ChiWeenie, Streetman, and the rest of the gaggle of friends. There is an abundance of plot twists and red herrings to sort through while laughing those sox off! Of course I loved it!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected digital eGalley from Beyond the Page Publishing via NetGalley. Avail Feb 25, 2025
#Puzzled4Murder by @j.c.eaton #SophieKimballMysteriesBk14 #BeyondThePagePublishing
#NetGalley @goodreads @bookbub @librarythingofficial @barnesandnoble ***** Review #booksamillion #bookshop_org #bookshop_org_uk #kobo #Waterstones #laughyoursoxoff #retirementcommunity #ChiWeenie #Jigsawpuzzles #cozymysteries #murder #teamwork
February 13, 2025
Puzzled 4 Murder is the latest mystery in the Phee Kimball mystery series. I adore this series! The humor in it usually has me laughing out loud before the first chapter is finished. The combination of quirky characters in this series are the best and if I am feeling down I can count on this series to give me a chuckle. Harriet (Phee’s Mom) and her group of senior citizen friends are working on a giant puzzle at the library in this books’ mystery and it features murder, mischief and some fun Streetman antics. The murder took awhile for me to figure out and I enjoyed the fun if improbable connections between the past and the current puzzle project at the library. I understand that James Clapp who was one half of this husband and wife writing team has passed away, but that the series will continue. My deepest sympathy to Ann Goldfarb and thank you to both of you for such an enjoyable series of books.
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this book. All opinions are my own.
March 3, 2025
This is book 14 in the Sophie Kimball mystery series. It works well as a standalone because the story is easy to follow and there aren’t any gaping holes from information in previous books that isn’t included in this one.
I love that the author paired the main character, Phee (Sophia) with her mom, Harriet, Harriett's somewhat bad dog Streetman, and Harriet’s friends: a group of seniors who have a lot of interesting personalities. If you’re in the midst of those child-rearing, working-for-a-living years, it almost seems as if these seniors might be having a lot more fun than you are. (You might very well be right!) However, it isn’t all fun and games when the seniors are helping to put together a very large crossword puzzle at the library, and the head of the puzzle committee ends up dead. The seniors try to solve the mystery of who killed her. Phee ends up being dragged into the action, and the seniors are a riot.
I thoroughly enjoyed the three books I read in this series, and I hope this one catches your eye because it is definitely worth reading!
I love that the author paired the main character, Phee (Sophia) with her mom, Harriet, Harriett's somewhat bad dog Streetman, and Harriet’s friends: a group of seniors who have a lot of interesting personalities. If you’re in the midst of those child-rearing, working-for-a-living years, it almost seems as if these seniors might be having a lot more fun than you are. (You might very well be right!) However, it isn’t all fun and games when the seniors are helping to put together a very large crossword puzzle at the library, and the head of the puzzle committee ends up dead. The seniors try to solve the mystery of who killed her. Phee ends up being dragged into the action, and the seniors are a riot.
I thoroughly enjoyed the three books I read in this series, and I hope this one catches your eye because it is definitely worth reading!
February 24, 2025
This is endearing much loved cozy series that I enjoy with every release. Thank you to the publisher, to Net Galley and the author for the opportunity. This is the 14th in this delightful series that readers adore.
Phee, her Mom and their lovely feisty dachshund (chiwiennie) are back in a hilarious romp with the retirement home residents. The temperatures in the desert community are miserably hot so the residents decide to join in a large puzzle project in the library community room. All are not on board with the woman in charge and soon she is murdered. Phee is on the case with the help of her Mom and her detective friend. Soon clues abound as well as red herrings and the investigation takes a concerning turn. Phee may be able to tie this case to a cold case as well as the suspect list grows.
A endearing addition to the series with humor, great characters and a wonderful well crafted sleuth. Well done to the authors. Looking forward to the next in series.
Phee, her Mom and their lovely feisty dachshund (chiwiennie) are back in a hilarious romp with the retirement home residents. The temperatures in the desert community are miserably hot so the residents decide to join in a large puzzle project in the library community room. All are not on board with the woman in charge and soon she is murdered. Phee is on the case with the help of her Mom and her detective friend. Soon clues abound as well as red herrings and the investigation takes a concerning turn. Phee may be able to tie this case to a cold case as well as the suspect list grows.
A endearing addition to the series with humor, great characters and a wonderful well crafted sleuth. Well done to the authors. Looking forward to the next in series.
March 18, 2025
Life is far from dull for the residents of Sun City West where "Phee" Kimball-Gregory's eccentric mother Harriet lives with her precocious pup Streetman. Phee is the accountant at her husbands private detective agency. When someone ends up murdered in the library at SunCity West shortly after the community summer puzzle is chosen Phee ends up wrapped up in solving the murder. Is the puzzle the reason? If so why would someone kill over a puzzle and why does it seem that every attempt to complete the puzzle is being sabotaged? Could a retired octogenarian be guilty of murder and if so why?
Thoughts:
This was a clean cozy mystery with a colorful cast of charachters. At times I found all the different charachters confusing and there was alot of side chatter or added details which I found a bit distracting.
Overall, it was a cute cozy mystery that is a quick and easy read perfect to enjoy when you need a break from other heavier reads but still want to escape between the pages!
Thoughts:
This was a clean cozy mystery with a colorful cast of charachters. At times I found all the different charachters confusing and there was alot of side chatter or added details which I found a bit distracting.
Overall, it was a cute cozy mystery that is a quick and easy read perfect to enjoy when you need a break from other heavier reads but still want to escape between the pages!
April 1, 2025
“Puzzled 4 Murder” by J. C. Eaton is the wickedly funny fourteenth book in the Sophie Kimball cozy mystery series. What makes this series so much fun is the characters - Sophie “Phee” Kimball, her husband and coworkers (especially Augusta), her mother, her mother’s out of control dog, and her mother’s senior citizen friends. Some of the humor is repeated from book to book (Phee’s mother’s outrageous plots, her mother’s dog antics, the takeout food they all consume, and much more) but Eaton somehow makes it all seem fresh in each book in the series. The mystery in this one involves a giant jigsaw puzzle that Phee’s mother and friends are trying so solve but someone is willing to resort to murder to prevent that from happening. Truthfully I figured out early on who the killer was and at least part of the motive but I still had fun reading about the antics of Phee and crew.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.
February 25, 2025
Thank you so much to NetGalley and J. C. Eaton for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Puzzled 4 Murder coming out February 25, 2025. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
It’s a blistering hot summer in Sun City West, and members of the retirement community are happy to escape into the air-conditioned bliss of the library to work on a mammoth forty-thousand-piece jigsaw puzzle. But things begin heating up inside, too, when members clash with the domineering head of the puzzle committee over which puzzle to solve—until someone settles the matter by killing her. Now it’s up to Sophie “Phee” Kimball to put all the pieces of the murder plot together and catch the culprit responsible.
Any number of the jigsaw aficionados could have wanted the victim out of the picture for her personality alone, but Phee suspects there was a more sinister motive behind the murder. Then the chosen puzzle and the library itself are struck by one instance of sabotage after another, and Phee’s convinced that someone is sending a menacing message. But just as she unearths a telling clue and slots it into place, she finds herself in a race against time to finish the puzzle and solve the case—before the killer goes to pieces and finishes her off too . . .
I actually haven’t read the other books in the series. This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I really love cozy mysteries. Sometimes I will just read any of them in the series. It doesn’t matter what order they are in. This was a really fun book for me. I thought the puzzle was interesting. I love the library setting. I think Sophie was a fun character. It was interesting to see how she solved the mystery. I would definitely check out more books by this author.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries!
It’s a blistering hot summer in Sun City West, and members of the retirement community are happy to escape into the air-conditioned bliss of the library to work on a mammoth forty-thousand-piece jigsaw puzzle. But things begin heating up inside, too, when members clash with the domineering head of the puzzle committee over which puzzle to solve—until someone settles the matter by killing her. Now it’s up to Sophie “Phee” Kimball to put all the pieces of the murder plot together and catch the culprit responsible.
Any number of the jigsaw aficionados could have wanted the victim out of the picture for her personality alone, but Phee suspects there was a more sinister motive behind the murder. Then the chosen puzzle and the library itself are struck by one instance of sabotage after another, and Phee’s convinced that someone is sending a menacing message. But just as she unearths a telling clue and slots it into place, she finds herself in a race against time to finish the puzzle and solve the case—before the killer goes to pieces and finishes her off too . . .
I actually haven’t read the other books in the series. This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I really love cozy mysteries. Sometimes I will just read any of them in the series. It doesn’t matter what order they are in. This was a really fun book for me. I thought the puzzle was interesting. I love the library setting. I think Sophie was a fun character. It was interesting to see how she solved the mystery. I would definitely check out more books by this author.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries!
February 26, 2025
The silly little chiweenie definitely caused his fair share of trouble but he did end up doing something pretty cool at the end. That little dog’s a Houdini when it comes to escaping his carrier. Poor Phee felt like she was herding cats once again trying to keep her mom and the book club ladies from getting into danger or trouble, whichever came first.
I always laugh a lot when reading in this series and this book was no exception, those book club ladies crack me up! After a crazy murder mystery that somehow tied into Nate and Marshall’s cold case they were looking into, the showdown was a good one and the ending was super satisfying. Maybe poor Phee’ll get a break—at least until the weather gets cooler lol.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Beyond the Page via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
I always laugh a lot when reading in this series and this book was no exception, those book club ladies crack me up! After a crazy murder mystery that somehow tied into Nate and Marshall’s cold case they were looking into, the showdown was a good one and the ending was super satisfying. Maybe poor Phee’ll get a break—at least until the weather gets cooler lol.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Beyond the Page via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
February 28, 2025
I enjoyed reading Puzzled 4 Murder.
The heat of the Phoenix area has set in early and everyone is looking forward to places and ways to stay cool. Harriet and her book club ladies are going to help with the huge puzzle at the library. It gives them a cool place to gather. Then one of the puzzle committee heads is found dead.
I could see that the different cases in the story would connect, but I wasn’t sure who was hiding in plain sight.
There were plenty of shenanigans. I felt like the foreshadowing was a bit heavy handed, then when we got to the events foreshadowed things weren’t as bad as I expected.
The mystery wrapped up successfully and Streetman had a chance to shine.
I like this series and am always glad when Netgalley and Beyond the Page Publishing give me to opportunity to read the book.
The heat of the Phoenix area has set in early and everyone is looking forward to places and ways to stay cool. Harriet and her book club ladies are going to help with the huge puzzle at the library. It gives them a cool place to gather. Then one of the puzzle committee heads is found dead.
I could see that the different cases in the story would connect, but I wasn’t sure who was hiding in plain sight.
There were plenty of shenanigans. I felt like the foreshadowing was a bit heavy handed, then when we got to the events foreshadowed things weren’t as bad as I expected.
The mystery wrapped up successfully and Streetman had a chance to shine.
I like this series and am always glad when Netgalley and Beyond the Page Publishing give me to opportunity to read the book.
November 14, 2025
The Sophie Kimball series by J. C. Eaton is one of my favorites. The characters are delightful and you will find yourself chuckling or, like Sophie (“Phee”), rolling your eyes at the situations her mother, Harriet, and Harriet’s book club ladies find themselves in. The murder mystery will have you “puzzled” about who is guilty. There are a lot of twists and turns, misguided hints, and crazy antics that keep you invested in the story. And you cannot forget Streetman, the chiweenie. He is holy terror on four legs and gives Phee a run for her money because he is perfect in her mom’s eyes. I am chuckling as I close the book and look forward to the next adventure with the gang from Sun City West, Arizona. Things will definitely be “heating up” for Phee and her cohorts.
Thank you to NetGalley and Beyond the Page for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!
Thank you to NetGalley and Beyond the Page for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!
February 11, 2025
Puzzled 4 Murder is set in the Sun City area and populated by eccentric, outrageous senior citizens. The main character works as the accountant at a PI firm (her husband is one of the detectives), and her mother and her friends drive her crazy and bring a lot of fun to the reader.
The library (popular for its air conditioning) has an immense puzzle for the puzzle club to work on during the hot Arizona desert summers. This year, no one can agree on a puzzle, a body is found in the library, and the puzzle keeps getting sabotaged! Couple that with a cold case and the madcap adventures of the seniors and you have a fun read with a good mystery.
Thanks to Beyond the Page Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.
The library (popular for its air conditioning) has an immense puzzle for the puzzle club to work on during the hot Arizona desert summers. This year, no one can agree on a puzzle, a body is found in the library, and the puzzle keeps getting sabotaged! Couple that with a cold case and the madcap adventures of the seniors and you have a fun read with a good mystery.
Thanks to Beyond the Page Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.
February 27, 2025
Set in Sun City West, Arizona, Phee lives near her mother's retirement community. Since summer is arriving, the retirees are planning some indoor activities. Each year they have a large puzzle contest. Large as in the 40,000 pieces. The activity starts out heavily disputed as the group who selected the puzzle selected completely monotones puzzles. As the start date arrives, the group settles on a local puzzle that has never been put together. As usual the group of the retirees are over the top. But somehow the puzzle ties in to a cold case that Phee’s office is working on. As usual, the retirees will keep us entertained. I enjoy this series and highly recommend. #netgalley
February 26, 2025
Phee finds herself trying to keep her mother and the folks in her community from getting hurt while trying to finger a killer. For some reason, the killer does not want the Sun City West gang to complete a jigsaw puzzle. Will they kill again, or will the residents, or Williams Investigation, solve the case first? Phee can only hope it’s the latter.
With a group of seniors we can all put names from out own lives to and an anxious chiweenie dog, this series is like a visit with grandma and her crew. If they were living in an episode of Monk. Love it! Cute, clean and cozy!
With a group of seniors we can all put names from out own lives to and an anxious chiweenie dog, this series is like a visit with grandma and her crew. If they were living in an episode of Monk. Love it! Cute, clean and cozy!
March 22, 2025
I enjoyed my fourteenth trip to Surprise, Arizona. I feel for Phee and her officemates, as they attempt to solve the mystery of the sabotaged puzzle. Phee’s mother and her cronies are actively involved and causing chaos everywhere.
I enjoyed the trip, all turns out well, as it should in a cozy. Please continue writing and I’ll continue reading.
Netgalley allowed me to read and review after the publication date. Thanks so much. These are my own opinions without giving away the vital pieces of information leading to the killer.
I enjoyed the trip, all turns out well, as it should in a cozy. Please continue writing and I’ll continue reading.
Netgalley allowed me to read and review after the publication date. Thanks so much. These are my own opinions without giving away the vital pieces of information leading to the killer.
July 8, 2025
This is book 14 in the Sophie Kimball series. In Arizona the summer drives the seniors at the Sun City West Senior Center inside for the large jigsaw puzzle build. This year has been tempestuous since the director has chosen a one color puzzle. The seniors revolt and a new 4000 piece puzzle is ordered that has a picture of Main Street outside their door. When one of the seniors is murdered, Sophie, her husband and the employees of their Detective agency get into high gear to find the killer. I'd recommend reading some of the previous books to keep the characters straight.
February 18, 2025
Lots of fun antics in this cozy set in the retirement communities of sunny Arizona. Phee while working as the accountant at her husband's detective agency, tries to keep her retired mom and her entourage under control. This time the retirees are puzzling at the local library in order to be featured in a magazine. However, one of the puzzlers turns up dead at the library. It's then that the search for the killer begins! Lots of slapstick and humor ...
February 24, 2025
The seniors are completing a huge jigsaw puzzle in the library but it keeps getting disrupted by accidents. When one of the puzzle committee chairs is found dead, Sophie and her agency are called in to help solve the murder. There are ties to a cold case and plenty of ways for the seniors to provide comic relief in the story. A fun read, nothing too serious and a good escape!
I received an advanced copy of the book in exchange for a review.
I received an advanced copy of the book in exchange for a review.
March 25, 2025
This is by far one of my favorite series and one that I don't mind reading over and over again. I love the cast of characters. Each time a new book is announced I just have to have it.
This story was fantastic with the puzzle theme. Someone is out to make sure that they determine which puzzle is going to be put together. Of course in the middle of it all is Phee's mother and her gang of senior citizens.
Thank you to NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for letting me review.
This story was fantastic with the puzzle theme. Someone is out to make sure that they determine which puzzle is going to be put together. Of course in the middle of it all is Phee's mother and her gang of senior citizens.
Thank you to NetGalley and Beyond the Page Publishing for letting me review.
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